Relaxing Getaways: 10 Laid-Back Cities to Visit Around the World! Chris Osburn September 25, 2018 Travel Guide 1 Comment Discover the most laid-back cities in the world, where you can unwind, soak up the easy-going vibes, and experience a slower pace of life. From charming coastal towns to bustling urban retreats, these laid-back places offer a perfect escape from the hectic modern world. In today’s fast-paced world, finding a sanctuary where you can slow down, breathe, and embrace a more relaxed way of life is a true luxury. Laid-back cities provide the ideal setting for those seeking tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle. From their serene landscapes to their welcoming communities, these cities invite you to unwind and revel in the art of relaxation. Let’s explore the most laid-back cities in the world and discover the hidden gems that epitomize the essence of a laid-back lifestyle. Stuttgart, Germany Considered to be one of the least stressful cities in the world, Stuttgart in southern Germany offers a chance to take it easy without missing out on any of the good times you’d hope to have on an international adventure. Museums, cultural institutions, and historic landmarks are plentiful here and the nearby Alps are mighty and easy to reach. There’s plenty of public green spaces throughout and a pedestrianized city center that’s full of great places to eat and drink. Should you require a quickening of the pulse, this proud and rich home of Porsche and Mercedes Benz has amazing car museums to rev your interest and get you dreaming about a drive on the autobahn. Athens, Georgia Old school southern hospitality mixed with youthful university vigor makes the cozy college town of Athens an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. With its walkable downtown chockablock with cafes, bars, and restaurants snuggled up next to the University of Georgia’s gorgeous and historic campus, you’ll love just strolling around Athens. The bright lights of big city Atlanta are only about 70 miles down the road but there’s a lot of farmland buffered between. Chattanooga, Tennessee Halfway between Nashville and Atlanta and surrounded by wilderness and farmland, this laidback river town has a burgeoning food scene and a surprisingly vibrant arts community. Fans of Chattanooga love it for its equal parts low-key urban charms and easy access to the great outdoors. Boulder, Colorado Clean mountain air, good food, and an eclectic downtown area make this city one perfect for almost every type of vacationer. If a plant-based approach to unwinding happens to be your cup of tea, Boulder is the best-known city in the state for embracing these liberties most fervently, and if a chilled beer is what you’re looking for instead, you can imbibe at one of the twenty craft breweries located throughout the city. If your idea of relaxation involves a little more adventure and the great outdoors, there is plenty of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing to keep you can take part in. Santa Fe, New Mexico One of America’s oldest settlements and a city famous for its many artists and galleries, beautiful Santa Fe beckons travelers seeking clean mountain air, unique Pueblo architecture, rustic cooking and place to explore at a peaceful pace. Basel, Switzerland This compact Swiss city on the Rhine and near the border of both France and Germany is as pleasant as a city can be. With more than its fair share of world-class museums and the entirety of its Old Town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basel’s cityscape features some of Europe’s best preserved medieval buildings alongside modern architectural marvels. To further assist with attempts to decompress, hotel guests receive a visitor’s card granting free access to public transportation during their stay in town. Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz is truly one of California’s hidden gems. Centered in the heart of Northern California, it offers visitors a chance to relax while still enjoying everything one would expect from a California vacation. Due to Northern California’s amazing ecological diversity, visitors can spend one day on the city’s pristine beaches and the next day exploring the verdant beauty of the region’s redwood forests. Santa Cruz also offers plenty for visitors looking to chill out and explore a modern metropolis and downtown Santa Cruz has some of the best shopping boutiques on the West Coast as well as restaurants to entice the taste buds of every visitor. Vacationers seeking to learn more about the city itself can visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Housed in a 150-year-old lighthouse, the museum chronicles the importance of this sport in the city and contains artifacts dating back to the early 20th century. You may also like: 4 Spa Destinations Where You Can Actually Bathe in Wine Reykjavik, Iceland Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and cultural center, is one of the most welcoming cities in the world. Its residents take pride in all their city has to offer, especially given how petite their metropolis is compared to other major urban centers. Among the most popular attractions in Reykjavik are Mount Esja, which features several hiking trails, and the village of Hafnarfjörður, where visitors can learn about Iceland’s Viking past. Reykjavik is known the world over for its geothermal pools, natural warm water basins that can soothe the body and heal the mind. Visitors hoping to experience the wonders of the cosmos can also sign up for a northern lights tour during the winter months to see the aurora borealis! Melbourne, Australia Melbourne is quickly becoming a favorite destination for visitors to the Land Down Under. What sets Melbourne apart from other cities in Australia is its burgeoning cultural output highlighted by museums and a rip-roaring music scene. When visitors are not strolling through the halls of the Art Gallery of Ballarat or taking in a show at the East End Theater District, they can unwind at one of Melbourne’s many bars and hear from some of the best live performers in Australia. For visitors looking to explore the countryside outside the city, Melbourne offers vacationers several celebrated national parks. Among the most well-known national parks in the vicinity of Melbourne is Campbell National Park, which is famous for its ocean views, and Grampians National Park, where visitors can hike mountain trails and view Aboriginal art on the face of caves and rock walls. Omaha, Nebraska First-time visitors booking cheap weekend travel deals to Omaha quickly discover all that is waiting for them in America’s Heartland. While the city prides itself on enriching cultural and entertainment centers, visitors will fall in love with its easy-going pace and midwestern hospitality. Of course, no visit to Omaha can be complete without sampling some of the city’s famous steaks, Reubens, and other delicious dishes that are paired well with craft beer from one of the city’s numerous breweries. Vacationers looking for a fun day of adventure can also head to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Frequently placing number one on world’s best zoos lists, the facility has over 130 acres and specializes in animal conservation. Visitors hoping to unwind after a day of sightseeing can visit the Gene Leahy Mall, a 9.6-acre park in the heart of downtown Omaha, which features a sculpture garden, music pavilion, and several other attractions. FAQs: Q: What are the key characteristics of a laid-back city? A: A laid-back city is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere, a slower pace of life, and a welcoming community. It offers opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, such as beautiful natural landscapes, tranquil beaches, and wellness activities. Laid-back cities often prioritize quality of life, sustainability, and a strong sense of community. Q: How can I adopt a laid-back lifestyle? Embrace a work-life balance and prioritize self-care. Practice mindfulness and find joy in the present moment. Surround yourself with positive and like-minded people. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Q: Are there any disadvantages to living in a laid-back city? A: While laid-back cities offer numerous advantages, they may have limited career opportunities in certain industries. The slower pace of life may not suit individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments. Laid-back cities can also be more expensive due to high demand and limited housing availability. Q: Are there any laid-back cities that are also known for their nightlife? A: Yes, certain laid-back cities strike a perfect balance between relaxation and vibrant nightlife. For example, Barcelona, Spain, offers beautiful beaches during the day and a bustling nightlife scene in its lively neighborhoods. Q: Can a laid-back lifestyle improve overall well-being? A: Yes, adopting a laid-back lifestyle can lead to improved well-being by reducing stress levels, promoting better mental health, and fostering stronger social connections. Prioritizing relaxation and self-care can enhance physical health, increase productivity, and contribute to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment. Q: Can a laid-back city provide career opportunities? A: Yes, many laid-back cities have thriving economies and offer career opportunities in various sectors, such as technology, tourism, and creative industries. Cities like Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, are known for their laid-back culture while also providing a vibrant job market. Like to kick back when you travel? Where do you go to unwind?
